Taking
care of your Navajo Rugs

This advice
is for all Navajo rugs and blankets both antique and contemporary. Navajo
rugs must be properly maintained in order to keep their value and beauty.
While there are many opinions concerning the care of Navajo rugs, if
you follow some simple, common sense rules, your Navajo rugs will look
great and last a very long time. The information would also pertain
to Oriental rugs, Mexican Indian Zapotec rugs and Chimayo weavings from
New Mexico as well as other area rugs.

If your
Navajo rugs are on the floor, use carpet pad. There is no question that
a carpet pad prolongs the life of a Navajo rug and provides a measure
of safety. Do not use a rubber, jute, waffle or net style rug pad.
Flip the rugs over periodically so there will be even distribution of
fading and wear.
Have your Navajo rugs and other wool area rugs treated for moths and
carpet beetles. Inspect the rugs periodically for insect damage or signs
of infestation.
Vacuum moderately using a vacuum that does not have the motor driven
rotating brushes.
Clean spills immediately. The quicker the cleanup, the less likely that
your rug will sustain permanent staining.
House train your dog or cat. Urine stains usually cannot be removed
and Fido can do a great amount of damage by chewing your treasured Navajo
blanket.
Do not allow the rugs to get wet. If they do get wet, make sure that
they dry in the shortest possible time. A "wet vacuum" and
a fan can help.
Do not allow any prolonged moisture to penetrate the rug. An example
would be a flower pot set on the rug, thereby causing dry rot or mildew
damage.
Have your rugs cleaned when noticeably dirty by a specialist with a
thorough knowledge of Navajo rugs (that's us). Do not have your Navajo
rugs "dry-cleaned", "steam cleaned" or cleaned by
any automated means.
Have any fraying tears or other damage repaired immediately. If a torn
or damaged area is allowed to continue fraying, it can greatly decrease
the beauty and value of your rug. Remember that quality restoration
can save many dollars in future repair costs and also serves to retain
the beauty and value of your Navajo rug. Call or e-mail us with your
specific questions.